In an unexpected move, Larry King announced that he is leaving his longtime home of CNN! His last show will be some time in November.
His age (76), declining ratings and personal turmoil with his life probably prompted the news anchor to make the decision to exit the cable news network.
In a statement, King says:
“Before I start the show tonight, I want to share some personal news with you. Twenty five years ago, I sat across this table from New York Governor Mario Cuomo for the first broadcast of Larry King Live. Now, decades later, I talked to the guys here at CNN and I told them I would like to end Larry King Live, the nightly show, this fall and CNN has graciously accepted, giving me more time for my wife and I to get to the kids├óΓé¼Γäó little league games. I├óΓé¼Γäóll still be a part of the CNN family, hosting several Larry King specials on major national and international subjects.
I├óΓé¼Γäóm incredibly proud that we recently made the Guinness Book of World Records for having the longest running show with the same host in the same time slot. With this chapter closing I├óΓé¼Γäóm looking forward to the future and what my next chapter will bring, but for now it├óΓé¼Γäós time to hang up my nightly suspenders.”
CNN also issued a statement on Larry’s departure, saying:
“Just as CNN redefined the news business, Larry King defined the art of the television interview. His candor, curiosity and compassion are legendary, and his ability to interview people from all walks of life├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥world leaders, celebrities and everyday people├óΓé¼ΓÇ¥has made him an icon. Having conducted nearly 50,000 interviews over 50-plus years in broadcasting, Larry deserves to take some time for himself and his family. After 25 years at CNN, he will conclude ‘Larry King Live’ on his own terms, sometime this fall. We are proud and grateful that Larry will continue the next chapter of his storied career at CNN and will host several specials over the coming years.
Today is about Larry. We will announce plans for the 9pm hour in the weeks ahead.”
So long, Larry! It’s been a long and eventful ride.
[Image via WENN.]